Key Highlights:

Part II of the Neuroanatomical Acupuncture Special Presentation, led by Dr. Alejandro Elorriaga, delivers a deeper clinical dive into the neurofunctional mechanisms that underpin effective acupuncture treatment. Building on the foundational principles introduced in Part I, this session emphasizes a structured, anatomy-driven approach centered on the clinical triad of goals, targets, and inputs. Key highlights include a detailed breakdown of the nervous system’s subdivisions (somatic and autonomic), the physiological responses to needling at local, segmental, and suprasegmental levels, and the critical role of segmental modulation in all pain management strategies. Dr. Elorriaga reinforces that pain is not a reliable indicator of tissue damage, but a signal of physiological dysfunction—often chemical in nature—and that treatment should prioritize restoring perfusion, reactivating inhibited motor pathways, and supporting tissue healing. The presentation explores the gate control theory and descending inhibitory pathways, showing how mechanoreceptive stimulation and specific electroacupuncture frequencies modulate neurochemical activity, including endorphin, GABA, and serotonin release. There is a strong focus on the importance of detailed nerve anatomy, fiber classification, and the use of dermatome, myotome, and sclerotome maps to guide precise needling strategies. Overall, this session equips clinicians with the critical tools to shift from a symptom-oriented mindset to one rooted in functional neuroanatomy, systems thinking, and targeted physiological modulation.